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Michael Fechter (1962- ) noted American humorist, philanthropist and business person. After graduating from the College of Charleston (Political Science/Philosophy 1983), Fechter went to San Francisco to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian and writer. Performing in venues across the Bay, Fechter quickly became a touring national comedian across the United States. Across America, Fechter performed on bills with people that included Robin Williams, Rosanne Barr, Bill Maher, Dennis Miller, Steven Wright, Dave Coulier, Jeff Foxworthy and many others. In this same period, Fechter wrote television material for dozens of performers including Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Rene Taylor, John Withersproon, Jimmy "J.J." Walker, George Wallace and Jay Leno, the longtime Host of The Tonight Show. While living in Los Angeles, Fechter also wrote for "The Mr. Pete Show".
Looking to move into performing on television, Fechter partnered with a slightly younger performer/writer, Orlando Jones. (Mad TV, 7-Up spokesperson, The Replacements) Fechter and Jones met as Jones was finishing his studies at the College of Charleston. Inspired by the work of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, Fechter and Jones formed a production group, HomeBoys Productions becoming one of the few interracial comedy teams in America. Over time, they wrote and performed in dozens of television commercials together including spots for McDonalds featuring basketball star of the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan. While Jones went on to write for Bill Cosby's "A Different World" and act in numerous TV shows and films, Fechter, influenced by Michael Moore, branched out into documentary with social commentary. "Fade to Black" was an authorized update of the 1960's book "Black Like Me" in which Fechter examined the changing face of racism in the 1990's. HIs 2010 piece "By Any Means Necessary" witnessed Fechter's attempts to make money from the legal world of cannabis for worldwide Orphans of AIDS.
Over the years, Fechter has written humorous essays for groups that include the Charleston City Paper, Monterey County Weekly and the Golf Channel.
Deciding to leave Los Angeles upon the birth of his first child, Fechter set up a new business Fireball Golf in Charleston, SC. Fireball created and sold a new non-conforming golf ball called "Fireball". With an ancillary product called "Straight Stick" which when applied to a golf clubface prevents the ball from slicing or hooking. This trick of "greasing" the clubface is an old "golf hustlers" trick that Fechter introduced to a wider public. Fireball soon became the best selling new golf ball ever at Martin's Golf and Tennis Superstore (100,000 square feet) in Myrtle Beach, S.C. selling at the rate of 12,000 balls per month. Fireball then started to sell across the U.S. both in stores and via the Internet. Within a year, Fechter joined forces with industrialist Jerry Zucker, a Fortune 500 businessperson and philanthropist to promote Fireball Golf with a unique charitable twist.
From a perspective of gratitude, Fechter turned over 100% of his ownership in Fireball Golf to worldwide AIDS Orphans. A cause that had become dear to him after learning of millions of children with AIDS that were unable to afford or receive the life saving medications needed. In time, Fechter sold a TV project featuring many of America's best known comedians to the A&E Network titled "Stand-Up for the Children". Sadly, Stand-Up for the Children was cancelled weeks before production after a tsunami in Indonesia captured the public's desire for immediate relief. While working with Jerry Zucker, Fechter produced balls for groups that included Bill Murray's CaddyShack restaurants, the Boy Scouts of America, Hudson Bay Trading Company and many other groups.
From 2007-2009, Fechter worked across America for Greenway Golf Management as their "Ambassador of Fun" creating unique ways to increase golf participation and drive revenue for golf resort stays.
In 2010, Fechter along with his wife, Dr. Tia Fechter set up a new charitable venture in Berwick, Maine called Benefit BBQ. This small BBQ log cabin started to honor the tradition of Southern BBQ that Fechter knew from childhood split it's profits equally between local, national and international charities. Benefit BBQ was honored to receive great regional attention even Hosting hockey's Stanley Cup after a series victory by the Boston Bruins.
Moving to Monterey, CA in 2011 Fechter and his wife, Dr. Tia Fechter started a charity that helps people going through a period of homelessness while living out of their vehicles. Already serving the homeless, Fechter's wife, Tia noted an unusually high number of recently homeless older women living out of their cars. As local rents were rising and becoming remarkably high, people were being forced out of apartments and other housing often ending up on the streets or in their cars. Feeling "called" to something, Tia along with her husband's help started the One Starfish Safe Parking and Supportive Services program based on the success of a similar program in Santa Barbara, CA New Beginnings. onestarfishsafeparking.org Working with many municipalities, City Councils, Mayors and other concerned citizens, the Fechter's set up safe parking areas in local churches, synagogues and mosques where program Guests could feel safe at night protected by professional security. Guests of the program also receive professional counselling from One Starfish employees who then helped guide them to resources and housing. Dr. Fechter soon won the national Jefferson Award for her work in starting One Starfish affording her a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with California's Senators and staff.
Over the years, One Starfish has seen 100% of their Guests improve their mental and physical health, 75% increase their income and approximately 50% are re-housed within the year. Now operating for over 10 years, One Starfish receives assistance from many cities and the County of Monterey as well as civic groups that include the Community Foundation and the Fund for Homeless Women. Starting In 2022, One Starfish is presently run daily by the employees of One Starfish while the Fechter's donate, advise and serve on the Board.
Fechter and his wife live in Monterey, CA with their young daughter.
